Employees Only — Restaurant in New York

I used to frequent the Employees Only in Singapore a lot and constantly got asked if I ever tried the NYC location, so I decided to try it when I came home this time. My friend and I are also huge cocktail bar enthusiasts and like to knock off the top 50 list (even if they tend to be overrated like this one).

We had SUCH a disappointing and rude experience. First off, the interior and drinks are both unimpressive and mediocre - our cocktails were overly sour.

No issues with the bouncer (he was actually quite friendly) unlike what other reviewers said, but a hostess inside was a different story. My friend and I were standing awkwardly with our drinks in the narrow space between the bar and the seats as it’s a small, crowded space. This couple behind us seated at a four-person table kindly invited us to join them. We asked if they were sure and they said yes of course.

Not even a minute after sitting down, the hostess RUSHES over telling us that it’s policy that we couldn’t join them even though she knows the couple said yes - and not in a polite tone at all. I asked her what’s the purpose of the policy and she answered “because it sets a precedent.” I still have no idea WHAT this means - sets a precedent for people meeting each other at bars and joining together? Would the staff have rather we awkwardly leered over the ppl at the bar, and in front of the couples table?

I voiced her my concerns and asked what if we were old friends that ran into each other at a bar and etc (scenarios in which a bar has no right to decide on or prevent), and if in any of those scenarios would they still not let us sit?

We are not taking someone else’s seats but two EMPTY seats that we were INVITED to take. She left to speak to someone at the till and then came back and told us super rudely that: one, we could stay if the couple approved, two, everything had to be on ONE bill together, three, anything we ordered now would have to strictly be through her, and four, as soon as the couple left, WE would also have to leave. Does that mean that parties that come in together also all have to leave if one or two people need to leave early?

All of these conditions made no logical sense to me, but we agreed because we had already paid at the bar and were leaving soon for dinner. This scenario made us and the couple have a little laugh and bonding session. We chatted for awhile about the NYC bar scene and agreed that EO was definitely not impressive.

Will definitely not return nor recommend to anyone else. It’s not a place where you can chat and watch the bartenders also. Plenty of other bars with more respectful service and...

We ended up making a dinner reservation here because we wanted to ensure we were able to swing by for drinks. There are very few tables, and they tell you over and over that you must order food if you make a dinner reservation, so don't expect to try to play the system this way! The food was incredibly mediocre, lacking any seasoning and flavor for the most part. If you end up having dinner here, just set your expectations low and know that you're really there for cocktails (if you are there just for dinner, go somewhere else). The cocktails were definitely the highlight, and if I could rate the drinks alone, I would easily give the bar itself a 5-star rating. The drinks were unique and very well crafted. They have quite a few sections to choose from, so there is likely something for everyone in your group. We mostly stayed away from the EO classics section because the other three sounded more exciting. The true downfall for our experience was our server. She was rude from the moment we came into her presence. Interacting with her to be seated was a chore, and we were made to feel like we had done something wrong by choosing this establishment. Her attitude toward us did not improve through the evening, which was made more apparent by another friendly server serving the table immediately next to us. If we would have had a different server, I would likely be giving my experience 4 stars. If you want to come for just cocktails, I'd recommend coming early. By the time we left (around 9:45 pm), the bar area was standing room only and filled to the brim with people. If we would have been in that sardine can of people, it definitely would have taken away from the experience. There is also only a single bathroom tucked into the corner, which will make trying to go during the busiest hours...

I have visited "Employees Only" several times, hoping the experience would improve, but each visit has only solidified my disappointment. Here are the key issues I encountered: Long Wait Times and Deceptive Practices: There is always a long line to get in, which creates the illusion of a busy and popular bar. However, once inside, it’s clear that the place isn’t as crowded as it seems. This tactic is clearly designed to lure in passersby. Additionally, the bouncers at the door are often seen flirting with girls, rudely ignoring the guys, and letting in girls they know without making them wait. Overpriced and Ordinary Drinks: The drinks are vastly overpriced at $19 each. Despite the high prices, the cocktails are nothing special. I have had much better cocktails at other, less hyped bars for a fraction of the cost. This place is highly overrated when it comes to their drink offerings. -Rude and Cocky Staff: Most of the bartenders, except one, are incredibly rude and full of themselves. They display a clear bias towards female customers and adopt a dismissive and condescending attitude when engaging in conversations. This behavior is unacceptable and ruins the overall experience. -Forcing Tips: To top it all off, after a dissatisfactory visit, I was told to leave at least a 20% tip for my next visit. This aggressive and presumptive demand for tips is highly inappropriate and left a bad taste in my mouth. Overall, "Employees Only" is not worth your time or money. There are plenty of other bars in the area that offer better drinks, a friendlier atmosphere, and a more honest approach to customer service. Save yourself the disappointment and avoid this overrated...